Letter from BOD, March 2024

Spring is almost here! 

The Lake is completely clear and the sound of the waves is back.  

Despite last week's snowstorm, we are in the last stretch before we can dip our feet in the Lake again.

It's been a busy winter for your new Board of Directors. Since our last communication in February, a number of items have made good progress. 

We would like to take this opportunity to summarize our discussions and make a few requests.

As posted previously, our priorities are:

1. To draw up a charter that would allow the Association to be incorporated (which would put us in a better position to negotiate with the Township).

a. Policies are currently being written.  We have been able to base our policy writing on legal documents from other beach associations. The texts will be submitted to you in a couple of weeks for review, and your feedback will be incorporated at the AGM on May 25th 2024 from 9:30 am to 12pm. 

The document consists of the following topics: 

i. Association: definition, membership, code of ethics, fees, committees, privacy, conflict resolution, etc.

ii. Board: designation, roles and responsibilities, term of office, meeting and minutes, conflict of interest, resignation, vacancy, etc.

iii. AGM: quorum, voting, constitution, and by-laws.

2. To protect the members with insurance coverage against any claims that might arise in case of an incident or accident on the beach or the dock.

a. Preliminary research indicates that it could cost over $3,000 to insure members, the Board of Directors, and beach users in the event of injury or damage. However, in order to be insured, we must demonstrate that we have operating rules, which will be done at the AGM on May 25th 2024 from 9:30 am to 12pm.

3. To provide a communication tool to host the essential documents and updates from the Association.

a. A new website has been launched. 

You can visit it at : www.springwoodbeachassociation.ca. It is still in its preliminary stage and the pages will gradually be updated so you can consult the relevant components at any time.

Let's talk about the future and your contribution to the Association. 

We would greatly appreciate it if you could contribute to various committees or act as an expert in your professional field. 

Please let us know if you are an Accountant, a Lawyer, a Civil Engineer, or an Environmental Specialist in soil and water management. 

Your expertise as a member of the Association would be invaluable. Given our limited budget, this will be a pro bono consultancy.

Two advisory committees could also be set up, with no limit on the number of participants:

• Beach Maintenance Committee: If you're interested in sharing your ideas for improving and maintaining the beach, this committee is for you. 

As a volunteer, you'll make recommendations to the Board of Directors and play an active role in keeping our beach enjoyable for all members.

• Social Committee: If you’re interested in proposing and organizing activities for members, this committee is for you.  

Activities can include fundraising for the Association or recreational activities for members and their families. 

Since our budget is modest, we feel that charitable activities could increase and diversify our sources of income. If you have any ideas on how to raise funds, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Finally, we would like to remind you of our first Annual General Meeting on the morning of May 25th. 

The meeting will be held in person at the De La Salle Park community hall. The agenda and related documents will be submitted to you in the coming weeks. 

We hope you've enjoyed this summary, and that you're as eager as we are to hit the beach in the coming months.

 If you have any comments or questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at springwoodbeachassociationnews@gmail.com 

Your Board of Directors